Convertible high chair swing



Jan. 29, 1957 B. H. PEARL 2,779,389

CONVERTIBLE HIGH CHAIR SWING Filed Sept. 17. 1953 w pum United States Patent 2,779,389 CONVERTIBLE HIGH CHAIR SWING Benjimen H. Pearl, Chicago, Ell.

Application September 17, 1953, Serial No. 380,757

11 Claims. (Cl. 155-38) This invention relates to baby high chairs or feeding chairs, and more particularly relates to a baby chair of the type which is convertible to a chair which may be used as a play device.

One form of a baby feeding chair now in use has a seating unit which may be rocked to and fro only slightly. In this chair, no provision is made for immobilizing the chair when used in connection with a tray for feeding the baby. The movable nature of the seating unit is often distracting to the child while eating, since he often desires to rock the seat and play rather than be receptive to feeding. The other, and more common, form of high chair now in use has an immobile seating unit.

In accordance with the present invention, a baby feeding chair is provided having a seating unit which may be securely immobilized with respect to the legs of the chair and which 'may be readily and simply converted to a freely swingable seating unit. The chair is constructed of a minimum numberof component parts which may be inexpensively manufactured and assembled. Further, sharp points are eliminated throughout and the chair is otherwise constructed to avoid harming the child using the chair.

Briefly, the elements of the preferred embodiment of the invention includea stationary base having a horizontal shelffrom which rigidly depend supporting legs, a seating unit having a back, side arm supports and a seat, and a simple, inexpensive mounting means for pivotally supporting the seating unit and for raising and lowering same with respect tothe shelf. The seating unit in its lower position rests on and is locked to the shelf. In its raised position, the seating unit is out of contact with the shelf and is then freely swingable on said mounting structure. The mounting structure preferably includes a pair of pivot pins which are pivotally received in a pair of upstanding side members which are a part of the seating unit. The pins are slidable in vertical slots in side frame members which are connected to the shelf. The seating unit and pivotzpins are thus adapted for vertical movement with respect to side frame members so that the seating uni-t may be raised from the shelf and lowered thereon. Means are provided, comprisingrespective notches, for receiving the pivot pins in an upper position wherein the seating unit securedthereto is free to swing without interference with the shelf. 7

Other features and advantages-of the present invention will become apparent by making reference to the specification to follow and the drawings showing illustrative embodiments 'of .the invention. In the drawings:' t

Fig. l is an exploded view, in perspective, showing the component parts making up the novel baby chair of the invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the chair shown in Fig. 1, with the components in assembled condition and with the seating unit of the chair in a position whereby it may be freelyswung in relationto the base of the chair;

52,779,389 Patented Jan. 29, 195? Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along section line 3-3 in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a vertical section of the chair of Fig. 1 showing the seating unit in a lower immobile position on the base of the chair.

Referring now tothe drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout, the basic elements of the chair comprise a base 2 and a seating unit 4 which may assume one of two positions with respect to the base 2. One of these positions, shown in Fig. 4, is where the seating unit 4 is in a lowered position with the bottom of the seating unit resting on the top of the base 2. The seating unit may be locked securely in this position thereby resulting in a chair structure which is a rigid structure throughout. In the second position of the seating unit 4, the seating unit is supported in a raised position from the base 2 wherein the seating unit may be freely swingable along an arcuate path having a relatively large radius, to provide a play device for the child sitting therein. Fig. 2 shows the seating unit in the raised, freely swingable position.

The base 2 comprises a horizontal shelf 6 and depending legs 8 rigidly secured by any suitable means to the bottom of the shelf 6. A horizontal step 10 spaced beneath the shelf 6 and extending between the two forward legs 8 provides a foot resting platform for the feet of the child sitting in the chair, when the chair is in its lower position. To provide stability to the chair structure, the legs may be made sufiicientlyshort to provide a stable support for the chair when used as a swing, or the base may be suitably weighted at the bottom to provide the stability. Extending upward from the opposite sides of the shelf 6 are a pair of side frame members 12. The side frame members may be secured to the side faces of the shelf 6 by means of screws 17. The upper ends of the side frame members 12 are provided with hook-shaped perforations 14 which extend completely therethrough. The hook-shaped perforations 14 each include a vertically extending lower slot portion 16 and a downwardly curled upper portion which provides a closed bottom notch 18. The hook-shaped perforations 14 are both located in the same relative positions on the side frame members 12. so that the upper and lower portions of the hook-shaped apertures are respectively in horizontal alignment.

The seating unit 4 has a seat 20, a rear back-resting portion 22, and side members 24 which extend upwardly from the seat 29 and which are of approximately the same height as the rear 22 of the seating unit, for reasons to be hereinafter explained. The side members 24 of the seating unit 4 include circular apertures 26 in the upper portio'nthereof which are in horizontal alignment and which are opposite the hook-shaped perforations 14in the side frame members 12. Extending inwardly about half way up the side members 24 of the seating unit are inwardly extending arm rests 28. The arm rests 28 are spaced above the seat 20 at a distance such that a child may comfortably rest his arms.

The upper extremities of the side members 12 and 24 of the chair preferably occupy only the central side portion of the chair so that spaces 29 are provided to enable I the child or baby sitting in the chair to see objects or people viewable from the sides of the chair.

' Extending forwardly from the front of the side members 24 are respective cars 30 having circular apertures 32 therein, which are likewise in horizontal alignment. Depending downwardly from the front and lower end of the seat 20 is a projection or plug 34. The projection 34 is located in vertical alignment with a circular aperture 15 in the shelf 6 of the base member 2. The plug member 34 is engaged by the walls of the aperture 15 when the seating unit is in its lower position, as shown M in Fig. 4, and thereby restrains the seating unit from lateral movement with respect to the shelf 6.

A tray 36 of conventional design includes side plate members 37 depending therefrom which are in juxtaposed relationship, respectively, with the cars 30 on the front of the seating unit 4. Plate members 37 include apertures 46 which are in alignment with apertures 32 in ears 36 so that they may each receive a bolt 41 and attached nut to secure the tray 36 to theears 30.

For economy in manufacture, the entire seating unit 4 may be molded as a single integral unit from a suitable plastic material.

The seating unit 4 is mounted between the side frame members 12 of the base 2 with the side members "24 of .the seating unit adjacent to but displaced a small distance from the side frame members 12. The seating unit is secured to the side frame members 12 by means of a simple mounting structure including respective bolts 42 having a head 44, unthreaded shank46 and threaded end 48. The end of the shank 46 adjacent to the head 44 of each bolt is increased in diameter to provide a spaci ng bearing collar 49. The side members 24 of the seating unit 4 include a recessed circular portion 50 adjacent to the apertures 26 therein which receive the heads 44 of the bolts 42. The shanks of thefbolts extend through apertures 26 and the adjacent hook-shaped perforations 14 in the side frame members 12. -A washer 54"bridges the gap between the outer face of the'spa'cing collar49 and the inner face of the side frame members 12. The depth or thickness of the spacing collar 49 is made larger than the thickness of the side members 24 adjacent the apertures 26 so that the seating unit side members 24 do not bind against the washers 54 but are freely pivotable on the collars 49.

On the threaded ends of the bolts 42 are threaded wing nuts 56, for aiding in securely locking the seating unit of 'the side frame members 12 in either its upper or lower position. The wing nuts 56 each includes a central boss 58 which is apertured only part way therethrough so that the sharp ends of the bolts 42 maybe completely covered by the wing nuts so as to prevent any injury'to the child using the chair.

When the seating unit is in its lower position, as shown in Fig. 4, the bolts 42 rest on the bottom of the vertically extending slot portions 16 of the hook-shaped perforations' 14, as shown most clearly in Fig. 4. In this position, the plug 34 is received in the aperture 15 in the shelf 6, and together with the tightened wing nuts 56 holds the seating unit rigidly and securely on the shelf 6 to provide a stable chair which may be used for feeding or other purposes.

To convert the chair from this condition to a swing, the wing nuts 56 are loosened and the chair raised from its lo'wer position so that the shanks 46 of the bolts 42 slide upwardly along the vertical slot 'portions, 16 of the ho'ok shaped perforations 14, so that the shanks of the bolts 42 are lifted above the wall 61, defining the ppper end of the notch portion 18 of the hook-shaped perforations 14. The seating unit is then lowered so thatthe shanks of the bolts 42 rest on the bottom "of the notches 18. In this position the seating. unit-is supported in a raised position above the shelf 6, so that it maybe freely pivoted or swung on the spacing collars 49 of th e boltsf42. The plug'34 accordingly clearsthe top of th'e shelf 6 in thispositionof'the seating unit. The wing nuts 56 are tightened to-prevent -any relative movement between the'shank of thebolts42 and the side frame members 12 of the base member 2.

Note that the apertures 26 in the seating unit, side members24 and thebolts 42 received therein extend an appreciable distance above the level of the arm rests 28. This is important to provide a large radius for the arcuate path over which the seating unit isyswung.

Applicant has thus provided, with, a minimum of component parts, a baby high chair which maybe converted from a rigid structure used for feeding, to a freely swingable chair structure which has an appreciable arc of swing. The components are designed so that any possibility of injury to the child is minimized. For example, nuts like wing nut 56 are used with bolts 41 for securing the tray 36 to cover the exposed sharp ends of these bolts.

Applicant has above described the most preferred embodiment of his invention. It should be understood, however, that numerous modifications may be made of this preferred embodiment without deviating from the broader and generic aspects of the invention.

I claim:

1. A baby chair comprising a horizontal base member, means for rigidly supporting said base member above floor level, a pair of pivot supports, means supporting said pivot supports on opposite sides of, and above, said horizontal base member, a seating unit having respective means engageable with said pivot supports and'swingable thereon, means enabling *the selective lowering of said seating unit onto, and the raising of said seating unit out of contact with, said horizontal base member, "said seating means being'immobilized when lowered to rest on said base member and free to swing on said pivot supports when raised above said base member.

2. 'A baby chair comprising a horizontal base member, a seating unit, means for pivotally supporting said seating unit for swinging movement above and out of contact with said base member, said means including a pair of side members extending upwardly of the base member on opposite sides thereof and supporting said seating unit, and means permitting the lowering of said seating unit onto said base member to immobilize'sarne.

3. In a baby chair having a raised'bas'e member and 'legs'depending therefrom, a seating unit having a back support, side arm supports and a seat, means for pivotally supporting said entire seatingunit for swinging movenient above and out of contact with said base member, and means permi ting the lowering of said seating unit with the seat thereof resting on saidbase member to immobilize the same. I

4. A baby chair comprising a seat, a b asemembenside frame members projecting upward fromopposite sides of said base member, said seat being between said side frame members, means extending upward from opposite sides of said seat, a pair of spaced pivot support means on said side frame members for pivotally supporting the upper ends of said first-mentioned means, means selective ly permitting the raising of said seat with the seat above and out of contact with said base memberso that said seat may be freely swung on said pivot support means, and the lowering of said seat to a position where said seat is resting on said base membenand means for maintaining said seat insaid raised position.

5. A baby'chair comprisinga raised 'base memberha'ving supporting legsdepending therefrom, a seathavirig upwardly extending side members, side frame members projecting upward from opposite sides of said base mem her, said scat being between said side frame members,"a pair of spaced pivotsupport means for pivotally supporting said seat side members to said side frame members of said base member, means selectively permitting the raisingof said seat with the seat above and'out of contact with said base member so that said seat maybe freely on said pivot support means, 'and -the loweririg of said seat'to a'posi'tion' where saidseat is resting on said base member, and means for maiatainia said seat in said raised position. 1

A baby chairco'mprising a seating'uhit having a pair of upwardly extending side membe'rs,'abase member, a pair of side framemembers projecting upwardly from opposite sides of said base member and'locatedopp'osite said seating unit sidemembers, respective vertically extending slots in one ofsaidpairs arena-areas respective pivot pins "extending f rom the other pairf 03 side members and each riding in one of said slots, respective vertical notches in said side members having said slots, and said notches communicating with said slots, said slots and notches being sufiiciently long to enable said seating unit to assume a lower position where the seating unit is immobilized by resting on said base memher and to assume a raised swingable position with said pivot pins engaging the walls defining the ends of said notches.

7. A baby chair comprising a seating unit having a pair of upwardly extending side members, a base member, a pair of side frame members projecting upwardly from opposite sides of said base member and located opposite said seating unit side members, respective vertically extending slots in said side frame members and respective pivot pins extending from the seating unit side members and each riding in one of said slots, respective open-top vertical notches in said side frame members and communicating with said slots, said notches being positioned so that the walls defining the closed ends of said notches engage said pins and pivotally support said seating unit in an upper position where the seating unit is removed from contact with said base member, said slots being sufficiently long to permit said seating unit to assume a lower position where the seating unit is in contact with said base member.

8. A baby chair comprising a seating unit having a pair of upwardly extending side members, a base member, a pair of side frame members projecting upwardly from opposite sides of said base member and located opposite said seating unit side members, respective hook-shaped perforations in said side frame members each having a vertically extending lower portion and a downwardly curled upper portion, respective pivot pins connecting with said seating unit side members for pivotally supporting said seating unit, each of said pins extending into the adjacent hook-shaped perforation and adapted to be seated on the wall defining the lower extent of the downwardly curled portion of the adjacent perforation and to pivotally support the seating unit in an upper position with the seating unit removed from said base member, the said vertically extending lower portions of said perforations being suificiently long to permit said seating unit to assume a lower position where the seating unit is in contact with said base member and to assume an upper position where said pins clear the walls defining the upper extent of said downwardly curled upper portions of said perforations.

.9. A baby chair comprising a seating unit having a pair of upwardly extending side members, a base member, a pair of side frame members projecting upwardly from opposite sides of said base member and located opposite said seating unit side members, respective hookshaped perforations in said side frame members each having a vertically extending lower portion and a downwardly curled upper portion, respective pivot pins pivotally received in openings in said seating unit side members, each of said pins extending into the adjacent hookshaped perforation and adapted to be seated on the wall defining the lower extent of the downwardly curled portion of the adjacent perforation and to pivotally support the seating unit in an upper position with the seating unit removed from said base member, the said vertically extending lower portions of said perforations being sufficiently long to permit said seating unit to assume a lower position where the seating unit is in contact with said base member and to assume an upper position where said pins clear the walls defining the upper extent of said downwardly curled upper portions of said perforations.

10. A baby chair comprising a horizontal base member, a seating unit, means for pivotally supporting said seating unit for swinging movement above and out of contact with said base member, means for permitting the lowering of said seating unit onto said base member to immobilize the same, and means for securing said seating unit against movement relative to said base member comprising cooperating plug and socket means on the confronting faces of said seating unit and base member, said socket receiving said plug when the seating unit is in its lower position.

11. A baby chair comprising a seating unit having a bottom forming a seat and arm rests supported above the seat, a pair of upwardly extending side members secured to the seat and having a top portion which extends an appreciable distance above the elevation of the arm rests, a base member, side frame members projecting upwardly from opposite sides of the base member and located opposite to the seating un-it side members, means for permitting the raising of said seating unit from a position wherein the bottom of the seat is immobilized with respect to the base member, to a position wherein the seating unit is raised from contact with the base member, and means for pivotally supporting said seating unit in said raised position about a horizontal pivot axis extending through the upper portions of said seating unit side members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 54,217 Sargent Apr. 24, 1866 628,166 Sheridan July 4, 1899 1,933,210 Curtis Oct. 31, 1933 2,494,045 Kaufman Jan. 10, 1950 2,584,642 Tuttle Feb. 5, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 599,108 France Oct. 12, 1925 

